How do neuropilins regulate blood brain barrier/blood retina barrier integrity

The blood brain barrier (BBB) and the blood retina barrier (BRB) play crucial roles in maintaining vessel homeostasis within the central nervous system (CNS). They regulate: the ionic and molecular environment, protect the CNS from toxic substances and pathogens, prevent CNS edema, maintain vascular integrity of the CNS, facilitate controlled transport, and help regulate blood flow. These functions collectively help preserve the health of the CNS and support overall normal CNS function.
This proposal builds on: (1) our published work showing that endothelial (EC) receptors neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) and neuropilin 2 (Nrp2) interact to regulate blood vessel growth and function [1-2]; (2) published and unpublished data indicating that both Nrps interact with EC junctional proteins to regulate vessel permeability, stability, and inflammation [3-4]. This PhD proposal aims to understand how these two proteins collaborate to regulate BBB and BRB integrity through in vitro and in vivo work.